JSW MG Motor, Royal Enfield, Ashok Leyland, Atul Auto Capture Pole Positions At DSS 2025

 

* JSW MG Motor In 4W Mass, Royal Enfield In 2-Wheeler, Ashok Leyland In Commercial Vehicles, Atul Auto In 3-Wheeler And Volvo Cars In 4W Luxury Capture Pole Positions In DSS 2025

 

* Dealer viability and Marketing related issues continue to remain as ‘concern areas’ for Auto Dealers across all segments of the industry

 

Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), the apex national body of Automobile Retail in India announced the outcome of "Dealer Satisfaction Study 2025" results at a glittering award ceremony at the 7th Auto Retail Conclave held on 10th September. The annual study is undertaken in association with PremonAsia, a consumer-insight led consulting & advisory firm based out of Singapore.

 

Commenting on the release of the study, FADA President, Mr C S Vigneshwar said, “The Dealer Satisfaction Study (DSS) provides a true mirror to the evolving dealer–OEM relationship. This year, the study captured feedback from over 1,800 dealer principals, covering nearly 5,000 outlets across the country, and for the first time, it was conducted in nine regional languages to ensure wider and deeper participation. I sincerely thank the dealer community for their time and commitment in sharing their views.

 

The message from the ground is clear. While our industry continues to win on product quality and reliability, structural issues like buyback policies, training costs, and dealership viability cannot be overlooked. Dealers are strongly voicing the need for fairer margins, greater policy flexibility, and more meaningful engagement in OEM decision-making at national, regional, and zonal levels. Post the Government’s GST relief, addressing these challenges assumes even greater urgency, as we collectively gear up for what promises to be a busy festive season ahead.”

 

PremonAsia Director and COO, Mr Rahul Sharma said, “While product remains the strongest driver of dealer satisfaction, after-sales and viability factors continue to dominate dealer mind space. Our analysis shows that close to two-thirds of dealer sentiment is shaped by these areas. Addressing concerns such as inventory costs, buyback policies and training arrangements can make a meaningful difference to dealer confidence and long-term partnerships. OEMs must work closely with dealers to build policies that balance brand standards with dealer autonomy.”

 

In the fifth edition of DSS, JSW MG once again emerged as the top performer in the 4W Mass Market with an industry-leading score of 868 points – maintaining its leadership position. In the 2W segment, Royal Enfield led with 852 index points, closely followed by Hero MotoCorp, both registering substantial improvement over last year. In the Commercial Vehicle (CV) segment, Ashok Leyland retained its leadership position with 786 points, while Tata Motors CV also recorded healthy gains over last year.

 

This year also marked the return of the 3W segment after three years, with Atul Auto topping the category with a strong DSS score of 924. In 4W Luxury, Volvo Cars topped the list with 884 points.

 

Notable movements in 2025 include:

• Royal Enfield and Hero MotoCorp registering gains of over 140+ points each, the largest YoY improvements across the industry.

• Renault India improved significantly (+90 points) within the 4W mass segment, moving closer to mid-table ranking.

• In commercial vehicle, Tata Motors CVD is the only OEM to improve over last year. 

With an Industry Average Dealer Satisfaction score of 781, there has been a 13-point improvement over last year. 'Product' continues to score the highest across all categories, reflecting that dealers are largely satisfied with the quality, reliability, and range offered by OEMs. ‘After-Sales Service’ related areas assume the highest importance among all factors, followed by ‘Business Viability & Policy’. However, despite improvements, 'Business and Viability' remains a key concern, with dealers highlighting challenges around buyback/write-off of unsold inventory, training cost-sharing arrangements, margins on vehicles and spare parts, and ensuring long-term viability.

 

While 2-wheeler dealers are more satisfied compared to last year, dealer satisfaction in the 4-wheeler Mass Market and CV segments has declined.

 

In 2-Wheeler Segment, dealers appreciate the strong product range and the reliability it offers, along with frequent product updates that help them stay competitive in the market. They also value the effectiveness of training provided to customer-facing teams and the fairness observed in the acceptance and rejection of warranty claims. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding the buyback or write-off policy for unsold inventory, the sharing of training costs, and policies affecting multi-brand outlets. Dealers also expressed concerns over margins on vehicle sales and the limited openness of OEMs to incorporate dealer feedback into decision-making.

 

In 4-Wheeler Mass Segment, dealers continue to commend the reliability and dependability of the products, as well as the breadth of choices available to their customers. Training programs for sales teams are seen as effective, while extended warranty policies and fair handling of warranty claims add to their confidence in the OEMs. Despite these strengths, challenges remain. Dealers often face difficulties with the buyback or write-off of unsold inventory and the cost-sharing arrangements for training. Additionally, managing inventory carrying norms and understanding the total cost structure of running a dealership are seen as critical areas that need more clarity and support to ensure long-term profitability and sustainability.

 

In Commercial Vehicle Segment, dealers value the reliability and dependability of the products, the wide range of vehicles available, and the frequency of product updates. They also appreciate the fairness in allocations of supplies and the OEMs’ ability to meet vehicle orders in terms of quantity and specifications, which helps them serve customers effectively. However, dealers continue to face challenges around training cost-sharing arrangements and concerns about ensuring long-term viability. Margins on vehicle sales and VORs, as well as overall dealership profitability, remain key areas where dealers seek more support and clarity from OEMs.

I4C And Amazon India Launch A Nationwide Consumer Awareness Campaign Against Online Frauds And Scams

First-of-its-kind collaboration to protect consumers through education and awareness ahead of the festive shopping season

 

Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), established by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, and Amazon India are collaborating to launch #ScamSmartIndia, a nationwide initiative designed to safeguard consumers from the growing rising threat of online scams and fraud. This partnership aims to take scam literacy to the grassroots, making it accessible, relatable, and actionable by combining education, awareness, and technology-led prevention.

 

As part of the campaign, I4C and Amazon will jointly drive a series of initiatives at a national and regional level in the coming months. These include engaging social media content that transforms complex fraud scenarios into easy-to-understand safety tips, digital ads featuring safety advisories that reach millions of households, educational flyers in Amazon packages that turn each delivery into a personal safety reminder, weekly multilingual tips under the ‘Scam-Free September’ initiative to guide consumers to shop safely during the festive season and a national hackathon to develop AI-powered solutions for scam detection and prevention.

 

Sh Nishant Kumar, Director, I4C, added, "Shopping is a natural part of every Indian household in the festive season. It is also a time of heightened fraudulent activity by scamsters who try to dupe consumers, particularly vulnerable groups like first-time internet users and senior citizens. This partnership with Amazon will create awareness for consumers on how to detect frauds and avoid falling prey to them. We are happy to work together with Amazon in India to further the objective of preventing online scams and enabling a safe shopping experience."

 

Rakesh Bakshi, Vice President - Legal, Amazon India, said, "At Amazon, customer trust is our highest priority. When scammers misuse names of known brands to lure customers to divulge, they don't just harm businesses – they damage consumer confidence in the entire digital economy of the country. Through our partnership with I4C, we want to take proactive steps to create practical solutions that educate and empower shoppers to recognize, avoid, and report scams."

 

This collaboration marks a pivotal step towards building a safer digital India, underscoring a shared commitment to protecting consumers. It comes at a crucial juncture, with over half of all fraud cases in India occurring online, and risks particularly high during festive shopping seasons, as highlighted in a recent McAfee report[1].

 

The initiative also builds on Amazon’s ongoing efforts to safeguard its customers. The company actively engages with various industry bodies to conduct capacity building workshops across the country to educate consumers about safe online shopping practices. 

 

About Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre:

Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) is an initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India to deal with cybercrime in the country in a coordinated and comprehensive manner. The body focuses on tackling all the issues related to cybercrime for the citizens, which includes improving coordination between various Law Enforcement Agencies and the stakeholders, driving change in India's overall capability to tackle cybercrime and to improve citizen satisfaction levels. I4C runs a national portal www.cybercrime.gov.in and manages a national tollfree cybercrime helpline number 1930 to report any cybercrime by the citizens.

 

For more information, visit i4c.mha.gov.in

 

About Amazon.in:

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfilment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon.

 

For more information, visit www.amazon.in/aboutus.

Nand Ghar Marks Poshan Maah 2025, Supporting 3.5 Lakh Families Across 15 States

·         Extending support to India’s most remote villages

Vedanta’s flagship social impact initiative, Nand Ghar, is a nationwide program modernizing Anganwadis into vibrant centers of community development, offering integrated services in nutrition, early childhood education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment to enable holistic growth.

In collaboration with the Department of Women and Child Development, Nand Ghar has launched a month-long campaign to mark Poshan Maah 2025, engaging more than 3.5 lakh families across 15 states. With the theme “Poshan Se Pragati”, the campaign aims to raise awareness, promote healthy practices, and encourage rural communities to adopt simple, sustainable nutrition solutions and combat malnutrition in rural India.

At the heart of its nutrition interventions, Nand Ghar follows a three-pronged strategy:

·         Direct Nutrition Support that ensures children in rural India receive a wholesome start in life through fortified supplements and innovations like Nutri Bars and Protein Shakes, while also bringing vital government nutrition programs closer to families at the grassroots.

·         Sensitization and Community Awareness that empowers parents and caregivers through training, counselling, and growth monitoring, while fostering supportive community networks where families learn together and adopt simple, sustainable nutrition practices using locally sourced foods and indigenous ingredients.

·         Technology Integration and Partnerships that connect communities with modern tools and trusted institutions, making it easier to track children’s progress, deliver timely support, and introduce innovative food solutions that transform everyday diet.

A child who becomes part of Nand Ghar gains access to fortified nutrition, structured early childhood education, and systematic health monitoring. Through this integrated support, they progressively attain better health, improved focus, and enhanced preparedness for formal schooling, thereby establishing a strong foundation for sustained growth and holistic development.

This year, starting 12th September, Nand Ghars across the country will be transformed into vibrant hubs of nutrition awareness and practice. The campaign will feature recipe demonstrations to encourage families to use locally available, low-cost, nutrient-rich foods. It will also include parent training sessions on dietary practices, maternal health, and child growth monitoring. In addition, special engagements under the banner “Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi” will highlight the vital link between healthy diets and improved learning outcomes for children.

Speaking on the campaign, Mr. Shashi Arora, CEO of Nand Ghar, said: “Poshan Maah is an important reminder of how critical nutrition is to India’s progress. At Nand Ghar, we are committed to ensuring that every child and mother in rural India has access to the right nutrition and knowledge to build a healthier future. With the engagement of communities across 15 states, we are working to transform awareness into action and create lasting impact.”

This initiative comes at a critical time as India continues to grapple with malnutrition. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 37.5% of children under six are stunted and 50% of women of reproductive age are anaemic. Poshan Maah serves as a vital platform to mobilize collective efforts towards reversing these statistics and advancing the Government of India’s vision of a healthier, more resilient generation.

Nand Ghar’s nutrition model is already delivering measurable impact. During Poshan Maah 2024, more than one lakh millet shakes were served across six states, providing children with access to wholesome meals. Earlier this year, the Project Balvardhan in Rajasthan began benefitting over 80,000 children and mothers in aspirational districts through targeted health and nutrition interventions. These innovations have also demonstrated improvements in children’s growth, energy levels, and school attendance. Further, community-led PD Hearth sessions are equipping mothers with practical skills to prepare affordable and nutritious meals while fostering peer support networks for long-term impact.

As Nand Ghar deepens its engagement during Poshan Maah 2025, the focus remains on scaling proven nutrition solutions, strengthening community-led practices, and promoting locally sourced and indigenous foods that can transform grassroots diets.

Samsung Introduces Galaxy Buds3 FE In India With Iconic Blade Design, Galaxy AI And Enhanced ANC

• Galaxy Buds3 FE is designed for users who want reliable performance, smart features, and stylish design

• Enhanced ANC reduces ambient noise; while Crystal Clear Call technology uses an advanced pre-trained machine learning model to isolate your voice, ensuring conversations remain clear

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced the launch of the Galaxy Buds3 FE with an iconic Blade design, Galaxy AI capabilities, along with a superior audio performance.

 

Commenting on the launch, Raju Pullan, Senior Vice President, MX Business, Samsung India, said, “The Galaxy Buds3 FE comes with an exciting fusion of Galaxy AI, enhanced audio tech and an iconic blade design – allowing users to step in to the Galaxy ecosystem and enjoy seamless connectivity – all in a playful way. The device gets core innovations and enhancements including advanced active noise canceling (ANC); while providing improved call quality, battery life and comfort.”

 

Power of Galaxy AI

For translation, Buds3 FE comes with the Galaxy AI Interpreter app on their smartphone to listen to a lecture in a foreign language or have a conversation with someone in another language. When phrases like “Hey Google” are used, Buds3 FE can listen, understand, and respond without a screen or hands — just the users’ voice. Users can also check their daily agenda or email without removing their phone from their pocket or bag. Additionally, AI features and the Buds3 FE design ensure that queuing up the next playlist or translating a conversation from one language to another is always just a word or long press away.

 

Advanced Sound Dynamics

Made for the quiet moments on a crowded train, a call on a windy street and the playlist that powers the walk home, Galaxy Buds3 FE come with a larger speaker to deliver rich, powerful sound with deep bass and clear treble. Enhanced ANC reduces ambient noise, creating a more immersive listening experience. Crystal Clear Call technology uses an advanced pre-trained machine learning model to isolate your voice, ensuring conversations remain clear even in noisy environments. Users can simply pinch the Blade to make selections or swipe for volume control. It’s also easier to connect via the pairing button on the cradle for transitions between Galaxy devices. With Auto Switch, Galaxy Buds3 FE actively detects audio activity and transfers the connection seamlessly for continuous listening across Galaxy devices.

 

Iconic Blade Design

The Galaxy Buds3 FE Blade Design represents the Galaxy lineup’s distinct visual identity. With a matte dual-tone finish and semi-transparent accents, it reflects a balance of simplicity and expressive detail for a modern but playful aesthetic.

 

Galaxy Ecosystem

Designed for users who want reliable performance, smart features, and a stylish design at a great value, Galaxy Buds3 FE make it easier than ever to join the Galaxy ecosystem. The earbuds also offer seamless integration with Galaxy devices, including quick access from system settings and app-free control from any screen.

 

Availability, Offers & Pricing

Galaxy Buds3 FE are priced at INR 12999 and will be available from next week. As part of the launch offers, customers will be eligible for benefits worth INR 4000 on purchase of Galaxy Buds3 FE in case paired up with select Galaxy smartphones. As part of the launch offers, customers can also avail INR 3000 bank cashback or upgrade bonus. In addition, they can also get no cost EMIs for up to 12 months.

AIFI Welcomes GST Reform, Calls It A Landmark For Ease Of Doing Business And Compliance

The Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI), the apex body representing the Indian forging sector, has welcomed the Government of India’s recent announcement on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform. The forging industry, which plays a pivotal role in powering India’s automotive, engineering, and manufacturing ecosystem, has hailed this reform as a transformative measure that will enhance efficiency, ease of doing business, compliance and long-term global competitiveness. 

The new GST framework introduces a simplified structure with reduced tax slabs, rationalized rates and compliance relaxations. For the forging industry, this will translate into greater operational ease, lower transactional costs and a more predictable business environment. By reducing compliance burdens and providing a level playing field for manufacturers, the reform will ensure that both large enterprises and MSMEs within the forging ecosystem benefit equally. The streamlined processes are expected to address long-standing challenges related to reconciliation, credit flow and interstate operations, key factors that have historically impacted the forging sector’s growth trajectory.

Mr. Yash Munot, President of the Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI), said, “On behalf of AIFI, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation and warm welcome to the GST reform announced recently. Earlier there were challenges in claiming input credit in few transactions but  this is a landmark decision that will simplify processes, reduce compliance burdens and provide a level playing field for manufacturers.  The forging industry, being one of the critical pillars of the automotive and manufacturing value chain, will greatly benefit from this reform through improved cost efficiency and smoother interstate operations. We are confident that this move will strengthen India’s competitiveness globally, boost investor confidence and accelerate growth in the manufacturing sector. At AIFI, we remain committed to working in close alignment with the government’s vision for building a robust and self-reliant economy.”

The GST reform is also expected to act as a demand catalyst by making automobiles and capital goods more affordable, thereby driving consumption in key end-use sectors. With India positioning itself as a global hub for manufacturing, this reform strengthens the foundation for exports, encourages fresh investments and empowers the forging industry to scale up capacity and innovation. The simplification of credit notes and compliance processes further reduces administrative overheads, enabling companies to focus on productivity, technology adoption, and workforce development. As the unified voice of the Indian forging sector, AIFI continues to work closely with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and global partners to promote sustainable growth. Representing over 80% of the total forging capacity in India, AIFI plays an instrumental role in advocating for reforms, advancing technology adoption, and enhancing global competitiveness. With the government’s pro-industry approach and reforms like GST, AIFI reaffirms its commitment to strengthening India’s manufacturing ecosystem and contributing to the nation’s economic growth and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Jindal Stainless Supplies Stainless Steel For Bengaluru’s Metro Expansion

· Jindal Stainless has supplied premium-grade 301N austenitic stainless steel, ensuring durability, safety, and sustainability for one of India’s fastest-growing metro networks 

· This development builds on the company’s continued role in shaping India’s metro infrastructure, including its contributions to the country’s first underwater metro line in Kolkata and the first Vande Metro train.

Jindal Stainless, India’s leading stainless steel manufacturer, has supplied premium 301N austenitic stainless steel for the Bengaluru Metro Phase 2 project, marking another milestone in its contribution to the country’s urban transport infrastructure. The yellow line, as part of this project, was recently inaugurated by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

 

Earlier this year in August, Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) inducted three trainsets from the CRRC–Titagarh Consortium into service under its Phase 2 metro expansion. The order covers 53 trainsets, underscoring the scale and importance of this project for Bengaluru’s rapidly growing metro network. Jindal Stainless has supplied 1,031 metric tonnes of 301N stainless steel till date, with further deliveries scheduled as the project advances. The supplied material, valued for its high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion protection characteristics, superior fire and crash resistance, and low carbon footprints, has been used across the operational metro coaches, including roofs and structural parts.

 

Commenting on this development, Managing Director, Jindal Stainless, Mr Abhyuday Jindal, said: “We are proud to support the modernisation of India’s metro infrastructure, which is central to strengthening urban mobility and aligns with the nation’s vision of building resilient and sustainable transport systems. The use of 301N austenitic stainless steel, a safer and more sustainable material, supports the sustainability goals of modern rail transport. By supplying to the Bengaluru metro, we reaffirm our commitment to building safer, long-lasting, and sustainable metro networks.”

 

Jindal Stainless has been associated with metro projects globally, including supplying stainless steel material through Alstom India for metro projects in Queensland, Melbourne, and Sydney, in addition to supplying for almost every Indian metro project in India. The company has supplied stainless steel for some of the most prestigious Indian railway projects, including the Vande Bharat sleeper train, Vande Metro, Kolkata’s underwater metro, the first trainset of India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), and Mumbai metro, among others. The company has been supplying stainless steel to the Indian Railways since 1998 for wagons, coaches, and infrastructure.

 

About Jindal Stainless:

India’s leading stainless steel manufacturer, Jindal Stainless, had an annual turnover of INR 40,182 crore (USD 4.75 billion) in FY25 and is ramping up its facilities to reach 4.2 million tonnes of annual melt capacity in FY27. It has 16 stainless steel manufacturing and processing facilities in India and abroad, including in Spain and Indonesia, and a worldwide network in 12 countries, as of March 2025. In India, there are ten sales offices and six service centres, as of March 2025. The company’s product range includes stainless steel slabs, blooms, coils, plates, sheets, precision strips, wire rods, rebars, blade steel, and coin blanks.

 

Jindal Stainless relies on its integrated operations to enhance its cost competitiveness and operational efficiency. Founded in 1970, Jindal Stainless continues to be inspired by a vision for innovation and enriching lives and is committed to social responsibility.

 

Jindal Stainless remains focused on a greener and sustainable future. The company manufactures stainless steel using electric arc furnace, a process that significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and allows for recyclability of scrap without compromising on quality.

Westside Launches YNG A Platform For The Next Generation Of Fashion Creatives

Young designers from NIFT give two of Westside’s in-house brands a whole new spin - Bombay Paisley and ETA

Westside, one of India’s leading fashion retail brands, part of Trent Ltd., unveiled its Young New Game-changer (YNG) program, an inspiring initiative designed to celebrate and nurture India’s next generation of fashion creators.

For its debut edition, Westside collaborated with NIFT, inviting students to reimagine two of its most-loved in-house labels, Bombay Paisley and ETA. Under the new YNG label, a bold and Gen Z-inspired collection had been showcased.

The first look of YNG was revealed at Westside’s Media Day on 11th September, an intimate celebration of creativity that brought together members of the press, content creators, potential partners, and Westside’s own community of customers. Alongside the YNG capsule collections, the event also featured Westside’s seasonal fashion showcase, offering audiences a glimpse into the brand’s evolving creative direction.

With YNG, Westside has created a dynamic stage for young designers, stylists, models, influencers, photographers, videographers, and hair and make-up artists to express their talent in a professional fashion environment.

“As a lifestyle brand, Westside has always been committed to creating meaningful spaces where young voices can thrive,” said Shailina, COO, Westside. “Through YNG, we gave emerging talent the opportunity to design for real brands, build strong portfolios, and gain valuable industry experience while being rewarded for their work. It was truly a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the entrepreneurial spirit of Gen Z.”

The journey of YNG was also captured in a behind-the-scenes mini-series, From Sketch to Store: The YNG Journey, documenting the energy and determination of the process from the first sketches and fittings to the final reveal. The series opened with celebrated design duo Saaksha & Kinni, highlighting the passion and vision that brought the inaugural YNG collections to life.

Through YNG, Westside reinforced its role as a purpose-driven lifestyle brand, empowering the next generation of fashion creatives and building a launchpad where bold ideas transform into culture and careers.

About Trent:

Trent Limited is part of the Tata Group and operates a portfolio of retail concepts. The primary customer propositions of Trent include Westside, one of India's leading chains of fashion retail stores, Zudio, a one stop destination for great fashion at great value and Trent Hypermarket, which operates in the competitive food, grocery and daily needs segment under the Star banner. Trent’s new fashion concepts include Samoh, a differentiated & elevated occasion wear offering.

Westside stores have a footprint of predominantly between 18,000-34,000 sq. ft. across 90 cities. Westside stocks lifestyle collections ranging from women’s and men’s fashion apparel, lingerie, kidswear,  footwear, accessories, beauty and fragrances. Home and gifting are also offered.  Each Westside store presents an international shopping ambience, superior merchandise at affordable prices, and excellent service.

Zudio, the value fashion format destination, operates with stores having a footprint of around 7,000-10,000 sq. ft. Zudio stores offer several product categories to meet the varied shopping needs of customers. These include apparel across men, women and kids and footwear.